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CURING CANCER WITH
DA VINCI SURGERY
Just months after a cancer diagnosis, community leader
Frank Ortiz is cancer-free thanks to revolutionary da Vinci Si®
robotic surgery
The start of 2013 was an exciting time for Frank Ortiz. As the urologist and loving wife, Scottie. Due to his family history
former City of Santa Maria Fire Chief, he was enjoying the perks and his urologist’s recommendation, Frank felt confident in
of retirement. He was also busy preparing for a service work trip his decision to put his trust in Marian Regional Medical Center
to Sri Lanka as the newly appointed District Governor for the to undergo a radical prostatectomy with the sophisticated da
Rotary International Clubs of Central and Coastal California. Vinci Si® robotic surgical system.
Life was good, until he heard the words ‘prostate cancer.’
“I’ve had a number of surgeries in my life and the da Vinci was
“It was one of those experiences you never forget,” reflects Frank. unlike than any other,” affirms Frank. “The surgery suc-
“I knew my prostate levels were climbing, but like most people, I cessfully removed 100% of the cancer from my prostate, my
wasn’t prepared for a cancer diagnosis – it hit me hard.” recovery was so quick and I experienced only slight discomfort,
opposed to actual pain.”
Frank’s father, Leonard, died from colon cancer in 2010. After
the devastating loss of his father, Frank made a commitment Since patients experience faster recovery times with surgery
to faithfully schedule all recommended preventative health assisted by the da Vinci robotic surgical system, Frank was
screenings. Subsequently, when a routine prostate-specific quickly back to himself in no time. Just weeks after the pro-
antigen (PSA) test confirmed significantly elevated levels, cedure, Frank was able to enjoy his annual family vacation to
Frank’s primary care physician referred him to urologist Chris- Scottsdale, Arizona to take part in Giants baseball spring train-
topher Johnson, M.D., who then performed a prostate biopsy ing followed by a Rotary International trip to Portugal.
which revealed the presence of cancer in 70% of
Frank’s prostate. “With the da Vinci Si robotic surgical system the treatment of
prostate cancer has been revolutionized,” explains Dr. Johnson.
Frank was immediately informed of all the available treat- “The da Vinci robotic surgical system allows surgeons to see
ment options and discussed them thoroughly with both his detailed and magnified anatomy and allows us to reach areas
The da Vinci Si® robotic surgical system at Marian Regional Medical Center.
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